After making appearances on network news programs and receiving supportive messages from a long roster of celebrities, Louisiana Democrat Foster Campbell has reported collecting $2.5 million in campaign donations between Oct. 20 and Nov. 20 -- more than twice the amount he raised in the entire run-up to the Nov. 8 primary.Meanwhile Kennedy, still the odds on favorite to win this thing in a walk, has been in Washington where his friend David Vitter has set him up with all the important lobbyists to know.
A campaign finance report due this week and provided to media by his campaign shows Campbell, who faces Republican John Kennedy in the Dec. 10 runoff for U.S. Senate, still had about $1.4 million in his campaign coffer as of Nov. 20.
Kennedy held two fundraising events in Washington last week. A Nov. 15 luncheon was hosted by the Cornerstone Affairs Group lobbying firm. Three of Cornerstone’s lobbyists were listed as hosts of the event, along with Kirby Political Action Committee – Houston-based Kirby Corp. bills itself as the nation’s premier tank barge operator – and United Egg Producers, an Atlanta-based lobbying firm that represents chicken farmers.No, it doesn't necessarily mean they have Kennedy in their pocket, I guess. The Kennedy In Your Pocket novelty key ring is still in production. You know, press a button and Kennedy says something smarm-folksy about guns or weed killer or whatever. Hopefully out by Christmas but they're still figuring out how to fit one button for each of the "400 ways" to cut the state budget.
The suggested contribution was $2,500 per political action committee and $1,000 per individual.
Cornerstone, like other lobbying firms, is known for hosting events that can give lobbyists and business interests an entrée if a future issue arises.
“That’s how Washington works,” said Michael Henderson, an LSU professor of communication. “People who want to see certain policies enacted will want access and be connected to people in power. Candidates need resources, and folks are willing to provide those resources. It doesn’t necessarily mean they have John Kennedy in their pocket.”
Meanwhile Vice President Elect Mike Pence is flying in to New Orleans today to raise..um... enthusiasm (?) for Kennedy. For whatever reason, the Trump-Pence people like to hold rallies at Lakefront Airport. Trump's campaign event there earlier this year was rather exciting.
Anyway, it sure would have been fun to have a Senate debate or two this week. But, you can see the candidates (particularly Kennedy) have had other stuff to do, apparently. Stephanie Grace thinks we should be insulted.
The final weeks of the Senate race could have featured four separate showdowns between the Republican state treasurer and his runoff opponent, Democratic Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell, but none came to be. Kennedy declined an invitation to appear jointly before the Press Club of Baton Rouge, and three planned television debates were canceled when Kennedy agreed to attend one, Campbell another and negotiations over the third broke down when Kennedy refused to allow a live audience and Campbell refused to proceed without one.We agree! For what it's worth, we did make an effort to rectify this sad state of events by asking both candidates to appear on the fake radio show with us. Only one response so far, though.
The losers are those voters who still want to get a better sense of the man they'll soon send to Washington. Granted, that's not all of them, or most, or perhaps even more than a small subsample. Those who want to be more engaged, though, deserve more respect and consideration from the candidates than this sad state of affairs suggests.
.@HunkerDowncast I would love to be on the podcast! Email press@fostercampbell2016.com to arrange? Thanks.— Foster Campbell (@CampbellforLa) December 1, 2016
Kennedy still ducking. I wonder if we should call Cornerstone to see if they can help.
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